We all wish we could run on unlimited energy, but even the most driven leaders need to hit the pause button occasionally
CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Forbes
It would be great if we could all power through every hurdle, but the reality is we’re human – and even leaders need rest. It’s easy to fall into the trap of pushing through fatigue, telling ourselves that it’s just part of the job or a sign of dedication. However, ignoring the early warning signs of burnout can have serious consequences.
When you’re constantly pushing yourself further than is healthy, your ability to make clear, strategic decisions diminishes, creativity fades and productivity suffers. Instead of powering through, take a step back. These feelings are signs that it’s time to recharge, not to push harder. The next time you feel like you’re running on empty, take a moment to reflect on your recent behaviour and ask yourself if any of these red flags are present.
Cutting corners
Are you truly becoming more efficient, or are you just taking shortcuts? You used to pay attention to every detail, ensuring everything was perfect. Now, you’re cutting corners and saying, “That’ll be fine,” hoping no one notices – or not caring if they do. But it’s not shortcuts that brought you success; it was your commitment to excellence.
Be honest with yourself: Where have you stopped giving 100%? What tasks have lost their joy? It’s time to either reignite your passion or delegate those tasks to someone who still cares. Don’t create a fragile foundation for your work by trying to do it all yourself. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is entrust a responsibility to someone else for a while.
OK, Next
Happiness is often described as a journey, not a destination. But if you’re constantly fixated on the end goal, rushing through each day to simply check off tasks on your to-do list, it could be a sign that your daily routine is unsustainable. When you’re moving at a fast pace, ticking things off without truly engaging with them, you start to miss out on the small but meaningful details that make life rich and fulfilling.
By whizzing past things in a blur, you’re not just losing sight of important lessons; you’re also robbing yourself of the opportunity to reflect, learn and grow from each experience. When you operate on autopilot, simply crossing items off a list without truly being present, you risk becoming robotic – going through the motions without finding any real joy or purpose.
Fake Energy
Is that 7am cup of coffee something you genuinely enjoy, or have you come to rely on it just to get through the first hour of your day? Be cautious of relying on “fake energy” to power you through your routine. If you’re fuelling yourself on adrenaline and cortisol, you’re setting yourself up for a dangerous cycle. Over time, this cortisol-driven hustle turns you into a ticking time bomb, where short-term bursts of energy lead to long-term burnout and decision-making driven by stress, not strategy.
There’s a big difference between feeling excited and being overstimulated. While a flurry of ideas can be a sign of creativity, a racing mind could also indicate that you need a moment of calm. If you catch yourself starting to feel frantic, take a step back. The signs are there if you look closely: treating non-urgent matters as though they’re urgent, compulsively checking notifications as if they might vanish, rushing around the day without direction, or snapping at others for no apparent reason.
These are all red flags that your body and mind need a break. Take a deep breath, pause, and reevaluate before your stress levels derail your focus and well-being.
Recognising these signs early and acting can make all the difference in maintaining your well-being and long-term success. Remember, taking a step back to recharge isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s an essential strategy for sustainable growth and lasting impact. Don’t wait until burnout is inevitable; listen to your body, reflect on your habits and make the adjustments needed to keep moving forward with clarity and energy.
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